Environmental Health

Click Here for the Current Wet Bulb Global Temperature

The Environmental Health Mission

Environmental Health's mission is to institute a system of support capable of providing commanders and other decision-makers pertinent information needed to detect, assess, and counter environmental health threats as part of a comprehensive military medical surveillance program. Environmental Health provides services pertinent to maintaining and improving environmental health on installations and in deployment locations.

Environmental Health programs, services, and capabilities are established and provided for the following specific areas in accordance with DA PAM 40-11, Chapters 3 and 4.

• Drinking water.
• Recreational waters.
• Ice manufacture.
• Wastewater.
• Pest and disease vector prevention and control.
• Solid waste.
• Hazardous waste.
• Groundwater and subsurface release of hazardous constituents.
• Regulated medical waste.
• Waste disposal guidance.
• Spill control.
• Air quality.
• Environmental noise.
• Climatic injury prevention and control.
• Sanitation and hygiene, including the following topics:
• Troop housing sanitation.
• Barber and beauty shops.
• Dry cleaning operations.
• Mobile home parks.
• Child development services facilities.
• Recreational areas.
• Laundry operations.
• Confinement facilities.
• Food service sanitation.
• Sports facilities, gymnasiums, and fitness centers.
• Tattooing and piercing businesses.

Links

Water Quality and Water Trailer Inspections: Preventive Medicine and Environmental Health monitor quality assurance on data analysis of the potable water supply and distribution system on Fort Polk. Click on bold print for more information.

Field Sanitation Class Information: A twenty-hour certification for Field Sanitation Teams on Fort Polk is provided. Classes include: Heat/Cold Injury Prevention, Chemical/Noise Hazards, Water Supply and Food Service Sanitation, Arthropod Management, and Pesticide Application. Click on the bold print for registration information.

Food Safety Information and Requirements: Click on the bold print for information to obtain Food Handler Certification.

Sanitation: Environmental Health provides routine sanitary surveys on the following Fort Polk facilities in order to protect the public’s health: : barber shops, child development centers, drinking water systems, food facilities, sports facilities, and swimming pools. These surveys include a thorough inspection of the facilities processes and equipment.

Insect and Wildlife:

• DoD Insect Repellent System Fact Sheet
• Mosquito biology
• Poisonous Spiders
•  Brown Recluse Spider
• Mosquito Control Around The Home
• Using Insect Repellents on Children
• Zika Virus

Summer Safety: Heat Illness Prevention & Sun Safety

Winter Safety: Cold Weather Casualties and Injuries

West Nile Virus Information: The West Nile Virus is mostly transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. By using insect repellant and wearing protective clothing, you can reduce your risk of becoming infected with the West Nile Virus. Click the link for more information on the West Nile Virus.